Monday at the start of 2014

[Kathryn-in-Canada]

On board. Unpacked. I hear the lines being hauled in so need to give up the free wifi from the port building next to me (I'm on the balconY) and run upstairs to watch the sail away.

Will see you all later, probably much later since it will take us a while to get internet set up on the ship.

[Harriet]

Bon Voyage, K and K.

Our school has been delayed by 2 hours tomorrow morning. HRH has to leave at 7 anyway, so no help there for him.

We learned that our family doctor's partner had a car wreck on the way to work this morning. Minor injuries, but serious enough to change their entire day in that office, and it gives one pause.

HRH and dstepson did a lot of cold-weather prep this afternoon. The most important to me, dstepson did a check-up on Sammie's doghouse, and the warming pad is working perfectly, the rug cozy. Also a new bale of straw spread in the henhouse for more insulation, with another bale intact at a corner. They checked the 2 well houses' heat lamps, replaced one bulb, and gave ours new weather-stripping.

After picking up dd15, we took a detour (quite a detour) to check out the closest of the schools I'd mentioned, and met the principal and asst. One-tenth the students of dd's high school, in 1 and 1/2 wings of a very attractive campus with 3-story buildings (where most of the campus is used by students college age or older). Learned that the graduation rate is 100%, so those who choose it are evidently no-nonsense. She would only need to manage one semester change to meet the requirements. The huge drawback is the addition of an hour's drive to the day, and that's if she drives herself. (yipes) There might be a carpool (double yipes) or the possibility of (city) bus service that could help. Probably just not worth it, but very interesting.

The grocery store parking lot was so full that I drove round and round before finding a spot, but we got the few things we needed. Everyone is stocking up, I suppose.

[Nancy]

The car started for hubby we called and the Les Schwab place was still open so we got our nine yr. Old battery replaced, then got the errand done home again juggity jug, the hens are fed and tucked in for the night.

Dinner beef meat pies are in the oven. I am content and happy now that the car is operational again now.

Need to call net fliks tomorrow.

Egg count 12 today, one brown pullet egg from one of the new hens and a speckled one from another one of the new ones.

Both things I cooked in the oven today were not up to par might need an element.

[DeeClutter]

Windy and "cold" inland too, Harmony. DD got out her cold weather gear for morning when she'll be outside as all the kiddos come back to school. All the schools up home are closed tomorrow. NY's governor posted a state of emergency early this evening. All around where we live are whiteouts and very, very cold as it is in so many other places. Have been reading of harrowing drives home. Our gniece among them -she was sent home early and had whiteouts all the way to Batavia, NY. Hoping everyone in this deep freeze stays safe, keeps power and remains warm.

[Lynlee]

waving to K&K cruising away. I do hope the sea behaves for you.

Interesting reading of the school programs. Harriet - To my mind - there would need to be a huge benefit to make up for the distant school/ college.
Here people do choose for subjects and special programs.
totally different - Local HS has a program for expectant and young mothers to keep them in school. No I don't think it encourages "it", and have met people coming a long way to get their affected daughter in there.

slept late today as I was up too late last night.

sheets are on the line. Overcast but nor raining. the storms of yesterday have passed. Maybe later?

trying to get my routines back and working. And have less time doing what I ortn't.

so far - not too bad.
Need to keep moving.


adding - re squats - hold something if you need to help your balance, and/or put something under heels if that works better for you. Feet should be in the same direction as your knees. Tis what we do at yoga at least.

[Lilac]

I've been watching lucylee's team. It looked like they would win, then Florida State came to life. It was so close clear down to the last few seconds. A very exciting last few minutes of the game but I was rooting for Auburn. I hope to hear from lucylee soon, so that we know they made it there.

[Kathryn-in-Canada]

Lots of Auburn shirts at breakfast this morning in the hotel.

Dinner is over. I'm finally unpacked. I'm woozy from the motion (and have a headache.) Desperate for bed.

Just posted a quick, unhappy, review of the first day. Lots went wrong. Most annoying, they changed the internet pricing this morning and it adds $200 to our cost of internet for the month. Not impressed at all at that. And no hypo-allergenic toiletries being offered. Not impressed at that, but at least I'm prepared for that one. Will have to buy soap in Hawaii and will hand the bill to the front desk with the request they credit my shipboard account with the cost since they advertise hypo-allergenic toiletries. This ship has just left dry dock so there is no excuse for them to be out of them, but that isn't the claim; our butler says they don't offer them.